Marvin Lewis sees a head-coaching gig in Teryl Austin's future

It seems like a matter of time before Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Teryl Austin becomes a head coach.

Current Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis agrees.

“Obviously the big thing was his opportunity possibly to become a head coach in the NFL,” Lewis said, according to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. “I was waiting for that to break, and I know that will occur in his future.”

Austin had a few interviews with the Detroit Lions and perhaps elsewhere, though nothing ever materialized. Sometimes that’s simply how it goes for a defensive-minded coach in a pass-happy league.

What’s interesting here is the fact Austin made a lateral move and joined the Bengals. It’s perhaps a sign he thinks there could be a plan of succession in place once Lewis decides to retire.

Of course, this plan didn’t work for Hue Jackson, Mike Zimmer or Jay Gruden, among others. But Lewis has one more season left on his deal after this one and his core roster will be two years old and changing further.

When that time rolls around, one has to think Austin could stand a good chance at getting a promotion.